The Art and Science of Observation: Reflective Functioning and Therapeutic Action

Abstract

This article aims to illustrate the central underpinning role that observation has had in the development of attachment theory and research, and in clinical work informed by attachment theory. Also, the paper aims to highlight reflective functioning in clinical practice and how it can be shown to ignite positive change processes, with illustrations provided from our ongoing trauma-informed clinical work with our Group Attachment Based Intervention or GABI in our work with vulnerable parents and their infants and toddlers. In pointing to how reflective functioning informs clinical practice in GABI, the paper aims to highlight what is proposed as fundamental to therapeutic action with infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults/parents and that is a strikingly new relationship with a benign, supportive other, who helps one practice novel ways of thinking, feeling and acting that may later become habitual across contexts.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Miriam Steele

Miriam Steele, Anne Murphy, and Howard Steele are affiliated with The New School for Social Research in New York, NY. Miriam Steele is Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training and Co-Director of the Center for Attachment Research at the New School for Social Research.

Anne Murphy

Anne Murphy is Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Clinical Director at the Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center. She is also Director, Center for Babies, Toddlers and Families & The Early Childhood Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Howard Steele

Howard Steele is Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Psychology and Co-Director of the Center for Attachment Research at the New School for Social Research.